Every year on the 8th of March, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in various domains. This year, Mauve is honoring the success of women entrepreneurs and leaders across India. As part of our initiative, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing inspiring women who have made significant strides in their fields.
Among them is Shruti Shah a Founder of House of Surkh.
In an exclusive interview with Mauve, Shruti Shah graciously shared her journey as an entrepreneur.
Journey and Inspiration:
1. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and how has your journey been so far?
Can you share a pivotal moment or a role model who has influenced your entrepreneurial path?
Answer: What inspired me to embark on the entrepreneurial journey was a profound desire to fuse my finance background with my innate passion for design, ultimately creating a brand that celebrates India’s cultural richness. Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was liberating, allowing me to channel my creativity into the House of Surkh.
One pivotal moment in my journey was recognizing the untapped potential in blending chic corporate aesthetics with the vibrancy of festive styles, which became the cornerstone of House of Surkh’s identity. Along the way, I’ve been inspired by role models who have fearlessly pursued their visions, navigating challenges with resilience and determination.
The path of entrepreneurship has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From overcoming logistical hurdles to establishing a loyal customer base, each obstacle has been met with innovative solutions and unwavering passion. Through it all, witnessing the joy and confidence that our designs bring to our customers has been the ultimate triumph, reaffirming our mission to celebrate India’s cultural tapestry through the House of Surkh.
Challenges and Triumphs:
2. Entrepreneurship often comes with challenges. What obstacles have you faced as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
Could you share a success story or a significant accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?
Answer: As a woman entrepreneur, navigating the entrepreneurial landscape has certainly presented its unique set of challenges. From breaking through gender biases to balancing family responsibilities, there have been moments where the journey felt particularly daunting. However, with perseverance and a supportive network, I’ve been able to overcome these obstacles.
One significant accomplishment that I’m particularly proud of is establishing the House of Surkh as a platform that not only celebrates Indian culture but also empowers women through employment opportunities and collaborations with local artisans. Seeing the positive impact our brand has had on both our team members and the community fills me with immense pride and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries.
Mentorship and support have played a crucial role in my entrepreneurial journey. Surrounding myself with mentors who believe in my vision and offer guidance has been invaluable. Additionally, the unwavering support of my family and friends has provided me with the strength and encouragement needed to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Together, we’ve been able to overcome challenges and celebrate milestones, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared success within the House of Surkh family.
Mentorship and Support:
3. The role of mentorship is crucial. Have you had mentors along the way, and how has mentorship played a role in your success?
How can we encourage and foster mentorship opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Answer: Mentorship has played an instrumental role in my journey as an entrepreneur. I’ve been fortunate to have wise mentors who have generously shared their knowledge, insights, and experiences with me. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, providing me with clarity during uncertain times and helping me avoid common pitfalls.
To encourage and foster mentorship opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs, we can create supportive ecosystems that facilitate connections between experienced entrepreneurs and those just starting. This could involve organizing networking events, mentorship programs, and workshops specifically tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs. Additionally, highlighting successful female role models and their mentorship journeys can inspire others to seek out mentorship and pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of support and empowerment within the entrepreneurial community. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we can empower women to confidently pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and thrive in their endeavors.
4. How does your business contribute to innovation in your industry, and what trends do you see emerging for women-led businesses?
Are there any specific challenges or opportunities unique to women entrepreneurs in your field?
Answer: At House of Surkh, we pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation within the fashion industry. Our designs seamlessly blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary styles, offering our customers unique and innovative pieces that celebrate our cultural heritage while also meeting modern fashion trends. By constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, we strive to set new standards of innovation in our industry.
In terms of emerging trends for women-led businesses, I see a growing emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. Women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into their business models, from sourcing materials ethically to reducing waste in production processes. Additionally, there is a rising demand for inclusive sizing and diverse representation in the fashion industry, and women-led businesses are at the forefront of championing these values.
While women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry face many of the same challenges as their male counterparts, such as navigating market competition and maintaining financial stability, there are also unique challenges that women entrepreneurs may encounter. These can include access to funding and resources, as well as balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with societal expectations around family and caregiving. However, with the right support systems in place, these challenges can be overcome, and women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to make a significant impact in their field.
At House of Surkh, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on our community. Through initiatives such as collaborating with local artisans and providing employment opportunities for women, we strive to not only create beautiful garments but also uplift and empower those around us. By fostering a sense of community and inclusivity, we believe that our business can contribute to positive social change while also thriving in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
5. Beyond business success, how does your entrepreneurial venture positively impact the community, especially for women?
Are there any initiatives or projects your business is involved in to give back or support women in your community?
Answer: At House of Surkh, we understand the profound importance of using our platform to positively impact our community, especially for women. Beyond achieving business success, we are deeply committed to empowering and uplifting women in various ways.
One significant initiative we are proud to be involved in is our collaboration with local artisans, particularly women artisans, to preserve traditional craftsmanship and provide them with fair wages and dignified working conditions. By sourcing materials and skills locally, we not only support these artisans economically but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Additionally, we are dedicated to creating employment opportunities for women within our own team and ensuring a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and grow professionally.
Furthermore, we actively seek out partnerships and projects that support women’s education, empowerment, and healthcare within our community. Whether it’s through sponsoring educational programs, participating in women’s empowerment workshops, or supporting initiatives that provide healthcare access to underserved women, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of women beyond the realm of fashion.
Ultimately, our goal is to use the House of Surkh as a vehicle for positive change, promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and social upliftment within our community and beyond. Through our continued dedication to these values, we aim to leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of our business.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are looking to start their businesses?
Answer: My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and never be afraid to chase your dreams. Surround yourself with a supportive network, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and always remember that your voice and vision matter. You have the power to make a difference and create a meaningful impact in the world. Go forth with courage and passion, and don’t let anything hold you back.
7. How can we create a more supportive environment for women pursuing entrepreneurship?
Answer: We can create a more supportive environment for women pursuing entrepreneurship by offering mentorship programs, access to resources and funding, fostering networking opportunities, promoting inclusive policies, and celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs. Together, we can empower and uplift each other to succeed.
8. Balancing work and personal life is often a challenge. How do you manage this balance, and what strategies have helped you maintain well-being while running a successful business?
Answer: Balancing work and personal life is indeed a challenge, but I’ve found that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential. I make sure to delegate tasks, practice effective time management, and surround myself with a supportive team. Additionally, I prioritize activities that recharge me and make time for my family and friends. By finding this balance, I can maintain my well-being while successfully running the House of Surkh.
